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Newspaper
Brisbane Courier Mail
Location
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Date
Dec 18, 1940
Page
1
A fragment from a 19th century report notes ongoing discussions about reforms within Ut government, with lawmakers weighing changes to policies and administration. No clear dates or names are readable, but the piece signals a political push amid public interest.
News from London reports Sollum’s fall ends Italian presence on Egyptian soil and signals British advance toward Bardia. RAF and naval bombardment pound coastal roads while Australian and New Zealand units push 150 miles from Mersa Matruh amid harsh dust, cold, and stalled logistics.
In Parafield on his way from Melbourne to Perth to attend the Swan by election, Mr. Menzies cited a message from Sir Archibald Wavell confirming Australian troops’ deployment with British forces in the Near East. He said Australian units, trained and well equipped, will press on to defeat Italy in Egypt and Libya, then direct naval efforts against Germany.
Mr Spender asserts ALF traditions remain secure with a large force in the operational zone. Britain sends Australian supplies guns and ammunition along with modern engines of warfare to Egypt. The ALF is described as fully equipped with high striking power and mobility enabling surprise attacks. Reconnaissance once done by light horse is now mechanised in the desert campaign.
A wartime bulletin notes Italian and German efforts amid rising Allied pressure. It cites Italian claims of fierce Libyan frontier fighting, air force activity, and a British cruiser torpedo strike near Bardia. The report highlights limited German air quieting but ongoing production and the uncertain turning point of the war.
London reports heavy RAF bombing of Mannheim in Germany and Bari on the Adriatic. Basel and nearby Basle suffer civilian casualties as bombs hit central stations and suburbs. German officials claim RAF raids caused substantial damage. an inquiry into bomb origins is underway.
Leading Aircraftman John Gray Lemon, 20, of Donald Western, died when his single engine trainer stalled during instrument practice two miles west of Brucedale. Another Tiger Moth test flight ended with a forced water landing. no injuries.
Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Charles Burton Gaden of Thargomindah is killed in action in the Middle East. Flying Officer Lex D Arcy Winton of Rosalie Plains Oakey Morven wounded in action. Gaden married Barbara Malfrey in Brisbane on March 24. Winton, a former Queensland commercial pilot, was wounded last Friday. he is 27. The Winton family and Gaden family are noted in Queensland and New South Wales society.
The Daily Mail reports growing unrest in Italy with mutinies in submarines near Brindisi, Palermo, and Naples and a fear of civil war. It notes low naval morale due to fascism defections, plus home front unease and possible royal abdication plans, while speculating on broader Balkan and Mediterranean implications and insurance rate shifts.
London reports ponder possible roles for David Lloyd George after world war leadership. He may be named Ambassador to the United States or join Churchill's Cabinet, with other candidates such as Lord Beaverbrook or Eden discussed. health and political questions cloud the prospects. The Daily Herald doubts his fit for a protracted ambassadorship while noting his wartime service and postwar criticism. Washington dispatches hint at further moves, but details remain unsettled.
London dispatch reports Australian troops in moonlight assault capturing a transport and a gun. They also seized frontier posts at Musaid Sidioma and Shefferton near Sollum Caputo and Bardia remain under pressure as reinforcements arrive. Rainy season ends allow renewed patrols in northern Kenya.
London December 17 The Funeral Secretary Lord Halifax said in a speech that the brilliant Greek army in Albania has made the Western Desert offensive more effective. Greek volunteers in Egypt cooperate with British forces forming a strong link between the offensives. He affirmed relentless action against the common enemy and praised the Fleet and Air Force for their cooperation with Greece.
United States General W H Hayes opened the American Eagle Club in London and urged Americans to contribute fully to the Allies. He said democracy and Britain are neither dead nor decadent and praised British steadfastness during the crisis.
Air Ministry report says Bomber Command attacked Mannheim for seven hours in clear weather with a bright moon, continuing the concentrated air offensive against Germany. The chief industrial center of the Upper Rhine endured prolonged attacks as Allied planes pressed the night raid.
New York December 17 The Vichy Government released former Foreign Minister Laval at the request of the German ambassador Abetz. Page 2 How Plot Was Revealed.
London officials outlined wartime shelter expansion with tunnelling from three underground stations and surveys for seven additional deep shelters. The Home Security Minister H Morrison announced the plan and noted 128 canteens have distributed seven tons of food to civilians.
German communique says Eboats fought a superior British destroyer force in the English Channel on Sunday night and lost contact after a brief engagement. No damage to German boats reported by AP.
Australian Associated Press reports from Athena and Budapest that Greek forces extended local gains along the front amid heavy weather. Greek radio said two heights were captured with prisoners, while operations continued in Himara Tepelina and southern sectors near Vlona. Italians withdrew from Klisura as Greeks moved toward Vigona and Zemblan, with the town of Himara reportedly taken.
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